AUSTIN – Addressing the New World Screwworm Threat
On Friday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Agriculture Secretary Brook Rollins discussed their strategy to combat the New World screwworms that have been affecting the state’s livestock and cattle sectors.
According to the USDA, New World screwworms are considered invasive species. Their larvae infect fresh wounds on living animals, which can include livestock, pets, and, in some rare cases, humans. The damage they inflict can be severe, even fatal.
During the press conference, Rollins revealed plans for a new facility in Edinburg, Texas, dedicated to producing sterile flies. This facility aims to breed about 300 million flies weekly, which may help mitigate the impact of the pests.
Furthermore, the Trump administration is set to invest in technological advancements to monitor screwworm populations and will collaborate closely with Mexico on tracking efforts.
“There’s a lot of data to collect, and there’s a lot to do, but we need to protect the beef industry in this country,” Rollins stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Abbott highlighted that screwworm attacks on cattle and deer could lead to substantial economic losses, potentially amounting to billions each year. “This is a critical issue for the cattle industry and the food supply at risk,” he remarked.
The larvae of these pests acquire their name due to their feeding habits, essentially burrowing into the flesh of their hosts.
Larry Gilbert, a professor at the University of Texas and affiliated with the Brackenridge Field Lab, expressed particular concern over the impact of New World screwworms on deer populations. “The deer herds are very vulnerable to this,” he noted, stressing that treating wounds in deer is often challenging.
A report from June indicated that the screwworms were found approximately 700 miles from the southern border. In response, cattle imports from Mexico have been suspended to prevent further spread.
Earlier this year, Abbott’s concerns led to the formation of the New World Screwworm Response Team in Texas.
Payton Schuman, a senior director of government relations for the Texas and Southwest Cow Razor Association, warned that Texas could face about $1.8 billion in damages to livestock due to potential outbreaks.
The hunting industry might also be at risk; during a previous outbreak in the 1960s, around 80% of Texas white-tailed deer perished due to screwworms.
Originally from Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and various South American countries, this pest was largely eradicated in the U.S. in the 1960s, though it has reappeared sporadically in Central America and Mexico.
According to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office, managing the population involves releasing sterile males into the environment, a technique developed by researchers at the University of Texas in Austin.
Signs that animals may be infested with New World screwworms include:
- Wounds with maggot activity
- Animals licking or biting at their wounds
- Lesions near the belly button, ears, or branding sites
- Unusual lethargy
If you suspect a screwworm invasion, Texas A&M Agrilife advises contacting relevant authorities like the Texas Animal Health Board or Texas Parks and Wildlife, as well as notifying a veterinarian. Animals should then be examined for signs, and samples may need to be collected for further analysis. Treatment options are available, including topical solutions.
